When the snow is falling softly outside and the children are squealing with delight, why not go on a winter nature hike scavenger hunt? Bundle up the kids along with their snow boots, and go to a nearby trail. A beautiful sunny day is ideal, but even overcast days can be delightful, especially if it’s snowing. Let the children enjoy the snow falling onto their faces. Let them listen to the wind blowing through the trees. Then let them find the following items, and snap a picture of them. At home you can make a scrapbook of your nature hike.
If you have older children and they have nature journals, they can sit (they’ll need waterproof snow pants) and sketch the different items on the list. Later they can add color with colored pencils or watercolors.
Here are some items that your children can look for:
- red berries on trees or bushes
- bird flying or perched on a branch
- pinecone (find several kinds of cones)
animal tracks (different kinds)- bare branches on deciduous trees
- evergreen tree (several kinds)
- large rock (or specific rock like granite)
- cumulous or stratus clouds
frozen pond or puddle- squirrel, deer, or other mammal
- a good view (climb a hill or mountain for best views)
- fallen tree
- thorny bush
moving water (stream, waterfall, or melted snow trickling off a rock)- feather (try identifying what bird it belonged to)
- moss (collect different kinds)
- evidence of insects (look under fallen logs or rocks)
weeds- an icicle
- fallen leaves or pine needles
You can print out a copy of this scavenger hunt here:
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